Where to Eat, Drink and Relax

 

Delmonico'sDelmonico's
Delmonico's is more than a restaurant -- it's an institution, and any good tour you take in the Financial District will include a stop here. Founded on 1827 as a pastry shop, the Great Fire of 1835 razed the restaurant, along with much of the city; a much grander restaurant was built at William and Beaver streets in 1837. The steak is terrific, even by modern culinary standards, and while it's not cheap, it's worth it just for a taste of early New York history.   

Harry's NYCHarry's NYC
Walking into Harry's, you might feel like you've been whisked into the past -- for a New York steakhouse, it's surprisingly intimate and subdued, with imposing stone walls and lots of nooks and crannies. Its calling card is the porterhouse steak for two, and an extensive wine list makes this a great spot to wind down from a busy day, whether you’re a trader or a tourist.

 

Financier PatisserieFinancier Patisserie
The Poulakakos family has a long history and deep investment in the neighborhood around Hanover Square. In 1998 Harry's son Peter opened Bayard’s, just above Harry’s at Hanover Square. (Bayard’s recently scaled back to private parties only.) He and his partners have opened a few less exclusive options, like Financier Patisserie, which serves great pastries and savory foods. Sit outside in warm weather and watch Wall Street crowds swirl by. 

Adrienne's Pizza BarAdrienne's Pizza Bar
The father-son Poulakakos team opened Adrienne’s, named for Harry’s late wife. If you don't like pizza, this might not be the place for you. But for the other 99.9% of us, Adrienne's has the kind of pizza that New York is famous for -- thin, crisp, brick-oven style pizza, cut into rectangles like they do in Roma.

 

Fraunces TavernFraunces Tavern
Fraunces Tavern was built in 1719 as a residence for the merchant Stephan Delancey and his family. In 1762, the home was purchased by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces, who turned it into one of the most popular taverns of the day. Though it is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army, in 1783, the tavern also played a significant role in pre-Revolutionary activities. After the war, when New York was the nation’s first capital, the tavern was rented to the new government to house the offices of the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs. Fraunces is currently open for lunch and dinner, and it has an extensive bar menu as well.

AlfanooseAlfanoose
Some fans call this the best falafel in New York. What was once a three-stool Syrian/Lebanese takeout joint morphed into a 48-seat Middle Eastern restaurant just two blocks away from the original location. It’s great source for Middle Eastern appetizers and delicious lamb or vegetarian kibbeh.

 

Other Options to Consider